Shenefield Recognized For Visionary Leadership
Jason Shenefield, MBA, FACHE, president and CEO of Phelps Health in Rolla, Mo., was honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s 2026 Visionary Leadership Award for envisioning a stronger and more connected health system to better serve Missouri’s communities. The award was presented Nov. 4 at MHA’s 104th Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.
“Jason understands that health care is about people — those who are served and the individuals within hospital organizations who provide care and support,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA president and CEO. “Since his selection as president and CEO of Phelps Health in July 2021, Shenefield has focused on building bonds between the hospital and community, strengthening the Phelps Health team and engaging with stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally to improve care.”
Shenefield has worked to cement the hospital’s role in the community, while mobilizing the hospital’s team to strengthen care locally and improve care widely. As a leader, he has increased transparency, embraced innovation, and focused on employee safety and wellness. Within the health system, this includes regular in-person engagement, growth in employee recognition, investments in competitive compensation and focus on well-being.
He believes in collaboration and seeks opportunities to scale the positive impact of the organization. To improve care locally, he has engaged Phelps Health in Missouri Medicaid’s Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) pilot, integrated an accountable care organization into the health system and launched a direct-to-employer health plan. His strategic investments have resulted in organizational accolades for stroke, cardiac and cancer care, outpatient joint replacement, emergency nursing and workplace culture.
Shenefield serves the hospital community more broadly as well. He is a member of the MHA Board of Trustees and serves on the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board. He has testified before Congress and advocated for policies in support of hospitals in Washington, D.C., and Jefferson City, Mo.
"All of us at Phelps Health are honored to see Jason recognized as a Visionary Leader,” said Janece Martin, Ed.D., Phelps Health Board Chair. “His steadfast leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence have helped shape the future of Phelps Health while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. This recognition reflects not only his vision, but also the lasting impact of his service to our organization and our communities.”
A video honoring Shenefield is available here.
Photo caption: Stephen L. Reintjes Sr., M.D., president and CEO of NKC Health in North Kansas City, Mo., and 2026 MHA Board Chair (left), and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO (right) present the Visionary Leadership Award to Jason Shenefield, president and CEO of Phelps Health.
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 138 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.